Becoming Florida's Capital
Tallahassee- Leon County (1824 -2024)
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF TALLAHASSEE'S SELECTION AS THE STATE CAPITAL, THIS EXHIBITION WILL TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY THROUGH MIDDLE FLORIDA IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY (1812 - 1845).
We stand at the edge of a new century. In 2024, our community has an opportunity to celebrate the past through our 200th anniversary while embracing the next 100 years. More than an anniversary, we extend an invitation to residents and visitors alike to join us as we honor our story and the powerful next chapter we are poised to write.
Government
State Government:
The United States signed the Adams-Onís Treaty with Spain on February 22, 1819. The treaty provided for the transfer of Florida from Spain to the United States and established the southern boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. The formal transfer of Florida took place on July 17, 1821. An exchange of flags occurred first at St. Augustine on July 10 and then on July 17 at Pensacola. Andrew Jackson became governor of the newly created Territory of Florida.
The State Capitol of Florida:
Tallahassee was chosen as the territorial capital in 1824. The first territorial government met in log cabins. A capitol building was constructed in 1826 but never completely finished. It was torn down in 1839 for the construction of the present structure, which was completed in 1845, just prior to Florida’s entry into the Union as the 27th state. Additions to the Historic Capitol were made several times throughout the years. Architect Frank Millburn, who added the classical style dome, made the first expansion in 1902. The 1923 additions by Henry Klutho included two new wings and a marble interior. Finally large wings for the House and Senate chambers were added to the north and south ends of the building in 1936 and 1947, respectively.
The Old Capitol Log Cabin (Replica)
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The State Capitol of Florida:
A Replica of Florida's First Capitol Building: Presented to the Museum in 1974 by The Sesquicentennial Committee, Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board, Tallahassee Lions Club
Built by: Sherriff Raymond Hamlin Jr.
The State Capitol of Florida:
Threatened with demolition in the late 1970s when the new capitol was built, The Historic Capitol was saved through citizens’ action and was restored to its 1902 appearance.
This shows the capitol as it appeared between 1845, when it was completed, and 1891, when the cupola was added.
Florida's Capitol before addition of dome - Tallahassee, Florida.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The State Capitol of Florida:
Architectural highlights include the elaborate art glass dome...,
(Image Source: TLCGIS 11/13/2023)
The State Capitol of Florida:
(Continued)... and a representation of the Florida State Seal over the entry columns.
In 1891 the cupola was added. The cupola is shown in this photo to the right.
Florida State Capitol Museum Dome (Image Source: TLCGIS 11/13/2023)
Great Seal of the State of Florida on pediment above the Old Capitol entrance - Tallahassee, Florida. (Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The towering new State Capitol of Florida:
The restoration of The Old Capitol (1978—1982) was conducted under the supervision of the Department of General Services in conjunction with the Department of State. This intensive project of historical and archaeological investigation makes Florida’s former capitol one of the most thoroughly documented restoration projects in the nation.
Accompanying note "The new capitol building is twenty-two floors above ground and two and one-half floors below ground. The building is 514 feet above sea level and 307 above ground. There is an observation deck on the 22nd floor. The capitol building is located on a knoll overlooking the business district and is surrounded by a group of sparkling white state office buildings forming a distinguished capitol."
(Image Source: TLCGIS 11/20/2023)
The City of Tallahassee, FL:
DeSoto wintered here (1539-40). In 1633, the Spaniards established a chain of forts and missions to convert Apalache Indians. These were destroyed by the British in 1704 and the area reverted to wilderness. This site was selected as the capital of the Territory of Florida in 1824, and Congress granted Lafayette a township for his service during the Revolution. Tallahassee became the antebellum center of the Florida cotton belt and was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi not taken in the War. It is the home of Florida State University (1857) and Florida A.&M. University (1887).
The City of Tallahassee, the county seat of Leon County was incorporated in 1825, following a decision by the legislature to locate the capital of the new Florida Territory midway between St. Augustine and Pensacola.
Plan of the City of Tallahassee 1824 State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The City of Tallahassee, FL:
Market/City Hall building on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Adams - Tallahassee, Florida.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The City of Tallahassee, FL:
This building housed a market before housing City Hall and the Tallahassee Volunteer Fire Company. It was built around 1898 and demolished in 1966. The Fire Department did not move into the City Hall building until approximately 1916, when the Department became motorized. The Fire Department moved to 109 S. Adams Street in 1937 when the new fire station was constructed. Located in the tower of the City Hall building on the southeast corner of Adams and Jefferson Streets was a rigid 1500 pound bell. It was installed in 1896 along with eight fire alarm boxes throughout the city. When the fire alarm box was pulled, it sent a signal to the bell control box indicating which fire alarm box was activated. The control box then sent electrical impulses to a hammer that rang the bell. For instance, if box 27 was pulled, the bell would ring two long rings and seven short ones. All the firemen would know that the fire was near box 27 and respond to that area. The bell is currently located in Immanuel Baptist Church on Mahan Drive.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The Leon County Courthouse:
Leon County, originally part of both Escambia County and Jackson County, and later a part of Gadsden County, was created by the Territorial Legislature December 29, 1824 as the seventh county in the State of Florida. Named for Ponce De Leon, Leon County was one of the most populous and prosperous counties in antebellum Florida.
View of Jefferson Street showing opera house, court house, and the market - Tallahassee, Florida.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The Leon County Courthouse:
Leon County Courthouse circa (1900)
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
The Leon County Courthouse:
Leon County Courthouse circa (1915)
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Many milestones have happened throughout the years of the City of Tallahassee and Leon County's existence. Let's look back at previous celebrations to commemorate life, perseverance and community. Let's start with the proclamation by then governor Cary A. Hardee 1924.
A Proclamation by the Governor
State Department
"One Hundred Years ago the first Legislative Council convening at Tallahassee marked the establishment of the permanent seat of government for Florida. A century has passed and in the passing years a great commonwealth has been firmly established. The early territorial plant of 1824 has grown into the Century Plant of present. We are rich in material things and we have not been backward in spiritual development. May we not pause for a short season and in retrospect view our glorious past and draw therefrom needed lessons for a more glorious future".
"Therefore, I, Cary A. Hardee, Governor of the state of Florida, do hereby designate November 9-15 as Centennial Week and name and appoint Tallahassee, the Capital, as the place of Centennial celebration".
"In recognition of our gratitude to God whose mercies have preserved and guided us one hundred years and that sacred reverence for Him may mark the beginning of Centennial Week, I would ask that all our Churches arrange appropriate, patriotic and civic services on Sunday, November 9th. Let every citizen participate in these commemorative exercises; that we may renew old friendships and make new ones; that we may recall memories of our State's earlier days; that we may tell anew, as pleasant tales, the historic events of the past while we rejoice in the prosperity of the present and the promises for the future. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Florida on this day of August, A.D. 1924".
Cary A. Hardee, Governor
Attest: H. CLAY CRAWFORD, Secretary of State
Florida Centennial Celebration:
Official Souvenir Program of the Florida Centennial Celebration, November 9-15, 1924
The program includes a historical sketch of Tallahassee, a list the events taking place during the celebration and advertisements for Florida businesses.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida Centennial Celebration:
Photographed at the log cabin replica of the 1st capitol, the crowd eagerly awaits unveiling of the marker at the site of 1st capitol. Tallahassee, Florida (11 / 1924)
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida Centennial Celebration:
Centennial celebration parade float of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs - Tallahassee, Florida.
Woman holding the "Florida 1895" sign is Lassie Goodbread of Lake City. Shown at the corner of East Jefferson and South Calhoun.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida Centennial Celebration:
Centennial queen Evelyn Welch : Tallahassee, Florida.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Sesquicentennial (1974)
The celebration of one hundred and fifty years in Tallahassee / Leon County community (1824-1974) was commemorated during a week long event at a Cascades Park ground breaking ceremony. Participants celebrated with a candle lighting ceremony and a historical pageant. The program boasts of participants and activities held at Tallahassee's Centennial Field in 1974.
The 37th governor the honorable Reubin Askew (elected January 5, 1971) was in office during the Sesquicentennial celebration in 1974. The celebration yielded reenactments of many prominent citizens and pioneering families while showcasing the celebration in jubilant fashion with song and dance.
Florida's Governor Reubin Askew:
Reubin O'Donovan Askew was elected as the 37th Governor of Florida. Seen here in 1974 shaking hands shaking hands with Joe Dan Osceola.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida's Capital Sesquicentennial:
Celebrating 150 years in Tallahassee / Leon County community from 1824-1974.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida's Capital Sesquicentennial:
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida's Capital Sesquicentennial:
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Florida's Capital Sesquicentennial:
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Band "Sentimental Journey" playing sesquicentennial celebration at the Old Capitol - Tallahassee, Florida (circa 1995).
Sharon Elsasser on drums, Frank Gilson is on tub bass, Pete Cowdrey on banjo, Charles "Chip" Bloyd on harmonica, and Brian Smith the bandleader on guitar. On July 25, 1845 Florida accepted the conditions for joining the U.S.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Historical Sites
01 / 20
1
Heritage Walk
The Civil Rights Movement is a core part of Tallahassee’s history. During this time, students from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) partnered with local leaders, high school students, and Florida State University students to protest against unequal treatment under the law. Their history is our history, and their actions were crucial in the larger Civil Rights Movement, garnering the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the nation. This timeline offers a look at the defining moments of that history, and how we can explore it today.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 2/10/2020)
2
Gallie's Hall
Containing the first theatre and only public hall in Tallahassee from the late 1800's into the 1900's For almost four decades people came to Gallie's Hall, a cultural, social and civic center, to enjoy amateur and professional theatrical performances, minstrel shows, graduations, lectures, benefits and oratorical contests.
This was the location of the first commencement of the formerly known State Normal and Industrial College, now Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida's only school of higher education for blacks.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 2/28/2020)
3
The Union Bank
Completed in 1841, the Union Bank is Florida's oldest surviving bank building. The business was chartered in 1833 as a planters' bank from which plantation owners could borrow against their land and slave holdings. The bank operated in a private house called "The Columns" until 1841. With John Gamble as its first and only president, it served as Florida's major territorial bank. The bank failed in 1843 because of crop failures, the Second Seminole War, and unsound banking practices.
After remaining unused for nearly 25 years, the building reopened in 1868 as the National Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, serving emancipated slaves and refugees. Starting in 1874, the building functioned in a variety of ways---as a church, shoe factory, beauty shop, and dance studio.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 5/29/2019)
4
Smokey Hollow Barber Shop
Here stands the last remaining commercial building from the once vibrant Smokey Hollow community. This structure served not only as a locally run barbershop but as a place where community members came to swap stories and hear the news of the day. Run by Raleigh "Mr. Barber" Powell, the building was a one-man operation that contained a barber chair, sink, stove heater, and enough benches to accommodate those who would come for a haircut or conversation.
(Also known as being spelled Smoky Hollow)
(Image Source: TLCGIS 8/7/2019)
5
The Exchange Building
Located on the southeast corner of South Monroe Street and College Avenue. The Exchange Bank Building was constructed in late 1927 and formally opened on March 3, 1928. Consisting of a basement and five floors - including an 18-foot first floor that gives it the appearance of a six-story building, it was the tallest building in Tallahassee when it opened. The building was known for many years as the Midyette-Moor Building, for the insurance company that owned and occupied the building from 1935-1973.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 11/20/2023)
https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/17188
6
Cascades Park prime meridian marker
"The crosshairs indicate the meeting of Florida's prime meridian and base line, set by government surveyors in 1824. The township grid on which all land surveying in Florida is based begins at this point and extends in all directions. This monument was part of the Cascades Park renovation project, and was rededicated on November 15, 2013."
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
7
The Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Mobile Railroad Company
The Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Mobile Railroad Company Freight Depot, built in 1858, is one of the oldest railroad buildings in Florida and the oldest still used as a passenger rail station. The one-story depot was built when Tallahassee was the center of Florida's cotton trade. By 1885 the two-story addition was added. Middle Florida (now North Florida), with its rich agriculture lands, grew rapidly in the 19th century.
The Jacksonville, Pensacola and Mobile Railroad Company Freight Depot, also known as Chessie System Express or Old Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, located at 918 Railroad Avenue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 11/22/23)
The Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Mobile Railroad Company
8
Dale Mabry Airfield Historical Marker
In October 1940, hundreds of laborers began clearing swampland for temporary quarters for Dale Mabry Army Air Base, named in honor of a young Tallahassee dirigible pilot who died in 1922 after serving in World War I. In 1941, America entered World War II. The need for a place to train pilots prompted the federal government to set a 90-day completion deadline. Eventually, the base became a nearly self-sufficient city, with several runways, barracks, officers’ quarters, mess hall, hangers, a hospital, a church and a bowling alley. Some sections of the base’s asphalt runway are still visible, as are several concrete tie-down pads. Over 8,000 pilots from Europe, China and the United States trained here in P-39s, P-40s, P-47s and P-51s. This marker is at the edge of the NW/SE runway near the point where planes took off or landed.
(Image Source: Historical Marker Database)
9
The Woman's Club
Soon afer its opening in 1927, the Woman's Club became the unofficial civic and entertainment center of Tallahassee. Organized in 1903 by the wives and daughters of prominent educators, business and professional men, the club served as a focal point for providing social services to the community in an era before government became greatly involved in such activities. Governor Sidney J. Catts pushed some social welfare programs, such as compulsory school attendance and assistance to mothers with dependent children, through the state legislature during his term (1917 -1921), but city expenditures for social services were quite small until the Great Depression.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 6/29/2018)
10
St Marks Railroad Historical Marker
The Tallahassee to St. Marks railroad began operations in 1837. It was owned by the Tallahassee Rail Road Company, incorporated in 1834. The road was a single track, twenty-three miles long, and had a mule drawn cars. In 1839 a steam locomotive was added and the line extended to Port Leon. With a seaport terminus to serve a rich agricultural hinterland, the railroad did a large volume of business in cotton during the antebellum period.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 5/15/2023)
11
Florida State University
The Florida State University campus is the oldest continuously used site of higher education in the state of Florida. In 1851, the Florida Legislature authorized the establishment of two state seminaries, one east and one west of the Suwannee River. Eager to attract the western seminary, the city of Tallahassee, under the leadership of Intendent (Mayor) Francis Eppes, offered to donate four city lots on which to locate the school and provide $2,000 a year for its operation. The site chosen for the new institution was the crest of "Gallows Hill," located about a half mile west of the center of town. The West Florida Seminary opened in 1857, the first classes being held in a wood frame building erected by the city. Eppes, the grandson of Thomas Jefferson, served for eight years as president of the seminary's governing board. In 1901, the name of the school was changed to Florida State College and in 1909 it became the Florida State College for Women. The Florida Legislature transformed the college into a fully coeducational institution in 1947, creating The Florida State University.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 12/7/2023)
History of Florida State University
12
Lincoln High School
Lincoln High School
13
Prince and Princess Murat
Accompanying note: "Napoleon's nephew, Prince Achille Murat, came to Jefferson County, Florida, in 1821. There he married Catherine Willis Gray, niece of George Washington. They lived near Tallahassee for the rest of their lives and are buried there."
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
14
The Rutgers House
This house was built by George Proctor, a free African American in 1848 for City Councilman and Territorial Treasurer Henry Rutgers. The doors and woodwork were fashioned from mahogany, and other lumber was hand-hewn from native trees. Bricks came from a local kiln. The house's Georgian architecture features a double-pile center hall plan with tripartite front windows.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 12/5/2023)
15
The Battle of Natural Bridge
During the final weeks of the Civil War, a Union flotilla landed at Apalachee Bay planning to capture Fort Ward (San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park) and march north to the state capital. With a timely warning, volunteers from the Tallahassee area - Confederate soldiers, old men and young boys - met the Union forces at Natural Bridge and successfully repelled three major attacks. The Union troops were forced to retreat to the coast and Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi not captured by the Union.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 12/5/2023)
16
Old Fort Braden School
Fort Braden was established in 1839 as a military outpost during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). At the end of the war the fort was abandoned, but the small farming community that had developed nearby continued. A school in the Fort Braden area was first mentioned in an 1847 Tallahassee Floridian article reporting tax collections at the Fort Braden schoolhouse.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 12/7/2023)
17
The Bradfordville School
The Bradfordville School is a one-room school house built c. 1884-1893, where many generations of children, in elementary to eighth grade classes, received their primary education. It is an example of one-room schools once scattered throughout the area that gave rural children educational opportunities that would otherwise not have been available. The school is a wood frame vernacular structure with a whitewash exterior. The majority of the windows are six over six double hung sash wood. Now gone are two outbuildings used as restroom--one for girls and one for boys. The school was originally located at the intersection of Thomasville and Bradfordville Roads on property owned by the Lester family. In 1906 it was purchased by the Leon County Board of Public Instruction for the sum of $1.00.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 5/9/2019)
18
Old City Cemetery
Old City Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Tallahassee. It was established in 1829 by the Territorial Legislative Council and acquired by the city in 1840. The ground was laid out in its system of squares and lots in 1841 when a violent yellow fever epidemic swept the city and regulations were required to assure order and sanitation to protect the public.
When the cemetery was established, it was located outside the City boundaries on the far side of a 200-foot-wide clearing that surrounded the town to protect it from Indian attacks. Today, Old City Cemetery is one of Tallahassee's most distinctive historic sites. It is the final resting place for many of the men and women who contributed to the development of Tallahassee and the state of Florida
(Image Source: Marcus Curtis 10/27/21)
19
Leon County's American Revolutionary War Soldiers
Between 1832 and 1833 the following men applied in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, for federal pensions granted for their military service during the American War for Independence Zachariah Gherkins (1757-1845) Served as a Private with North Carolina regiments. Moses Munson (1763-1835) Joined as a Private, serving with the Connecticut State troops. Rhesa Oliver (1756-1841) Served as a Private with North Carolina regiments
Joseph Singletary (1761-1844) Served as a Private with North Carolina regiments. Buried in the Strickland-Ferrell Cemetery is another Revolutionary War soldier associated with Leon County
Ansell Ferrell (1762-1846) Served as a soldier with the North Carolina militia
(Image Source: TLCGIS 8/7/2019)
20
The Taylor House
The Taylor House Museum was built in 1894 by Lewis Washington and Lucretia McPherson Taylor and restored in 1995 to its original 1894 period appearance by the Tallahassee Urban League, Incorporated.
(Image Source: Florida TLCGIS 12/5/2023)
Heritage Neighborhoods
Hays-Hood House Magnolia Heights Historic District (Image Source: TLCGIS 7/27/2023)
Magnolia Heights Historic District
"Representing Tallahassee's first twentieth century suburb, the Magnolia Heights Historic District is comprised of 40 buildings primarily dating from 1899 to 1934. Although recent construction of apartment complexes and townhouses have encroached upon the character of the area, enough early building stock remains intact to form a cohesive district visually reflecting the suburb's slow development during a time when Tallahassee inched toward urbanization".
Frenchtown Heritage Hub, Tallahassee Florida (Image Source: TLCGIS 12/5/2023)
The Frenchtown Community
(Image Source: Google Streetview)
Myers Park Historic District
The Myers Park Historic District is near the remains of Hernando De Soto’s winter encampment (1539-40) in the Apalachee capital of Anhaica, and was the site of the 17th century Spanish mission La Purificación de Tama.
Twentieth century development began in 1926 on the former Houston plantation in Country Club Estates. The planned suburb, with curvilinear streets and irregular lot shapes, is north of Palmer Avenue and between South Meridian Street and Golf Terrace Drive, which overlooked a nine-hole golf course.
Althemese Barnes Pemberton Park (Image Source: TLCGIS)
Smokey Hollow
"Smoky Hollow," sometimes spelled "Smokey Hollow," is a colloquial term used by Tallahassee residents to refer to an African American neighborhood situated east of downtown Tallahassee.
The district contains outstanding and rare examples of shotgun and double shotgun forms, which retain their architectural integrity to a high degree.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 7/27/2023)
Calhoun Street Historic District
The Calhoun Street Historic District is one of the oldest and most important residential neighborhoods in Tallahassee which has survived from the 1840's to the present day.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 7/27/2023)
Park Avenue Historic District
The Park Avenue Historic District is significant because it encompasses the oldest continuously used open spaces in the City of Tallahassee, as well as a rich historic panorama f residences, churches, public and commercial structures representative of Tallahassee's development from it's platting in 1825 to 1936.
Farmer's Markets
Farmers markets have been a main staple of the local community. Many markets have come and gone over the years but nonetheless, they have continued to flourish even though the agrarian society gave way to a more industrial economy.
Accompanying note: "Early risers on Saturdays and Wednesdays get the freshest vegetables at the City Curb Market on Gaines street. Some of these farmer-salesmen have been in business at the same stand for years."
Gaines Street (Tallahassee, Fla.) Photographed on June 30, 1962.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
African American people at the market place - Tallahassee, Florida.
Tallahassee (Fla.) 1870 (circa)
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Inside the City Curb Market pavilion in Tallahassee.
Gaines Street (Tallahassee, Fla.) Photographed on May 24, 1957.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
Current day market on Kerry Forest Parkway Tallahassee, FL
Members of the community selecting fresh apples.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 9/23/2023)
A local farmer brought honey to the market on this day.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 9/23/2023)
Local honey and sage was provided at this vendor's tent.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 9/23/2023)
The beautiful mushrooms were noticeable from a distance. Gold Oyster and Black Pearl Oyster mushrooms were plentiful.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 9/23/2023)
Fresh vegetables: zucchini, onions, tomatoes and squash.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 9/23/2023)
Living History
Shown below are local residents participating in reenacting historical events and stories. Re-enactors are essential in helping understand historical events. With compelling story telling and period correct clothing, experiencing a living history presentation can be one to remember.
Wife Spinning Yarn Pinkerton Detective Blacksmith Knitting Frederick Douglass
Union soldiers with maiden Union Soldiers at Lewis Park Soldier Reading of Emancipation Proclamation
Many of the re-enactors provide a glimpse into their cultural heritage. Seen below are some examples of the diverse cultural tapestry of this local community.
Pictures Taken at the Goodwood Museum in Tallahassee, Florida during a theatrical readings and heritage discussions (Image Source: TLCGIS 11/25/2023)
Bicentennial Meetings
The creation of Tallahassee and Leon County, Florida will be commemorated throughout 2024 with activities, re-enactments, and theatrical readings. The celebration of the two hundred year “Bicentennial” will showcase some patriotism and nostalgia by paying tribute to historical events, cultural heritage, and art.
01 / 09
1
The Grove Museum
Former Florida Governor Richard Keith Call's home in Tallahassee, "The Grove," was begun in the 1820's and remains a place of architectural and historic distinction. It was previously owned by Mrs. LeRoy Collins, the former Mary Call Darby, a great granddaughter of Governor Call.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 12/7/2023)
2
Goodwood Museum
Construction on the house began in the early 1830's by Hardy Bryan Croom, eldest son of a wealthy North Carolina planter. The entire Croom family perished off Cape Hatteras when the steamship "Home" in which they were traveling to Florida, was destroyed. The house remained unfinished while relatives of Hardy and his wife Frances fought what became a landmark case all the way to the Supreme Court. It was decided that in all cases where an entire family is destroyed, that the last member of the family assumed alive would inherit, and his heirs would receive the estate. It was assumed that Hardy Croom would have survived the longest and his brother Bryan inherited the majority of the estate including Goodwood, which he finished about 1840. The house was sold in 1856 to Arvah Hopkins, and the family lived there until the middle 1880s. In 1885 the heirs of Hopkins sold the estate to Dr. William Arrowsmith, surgeon-general to the Italian Garibaldi, who brought with him some of the paintings and furnishings still in the house. In 1911 Mrs. Arrowsmith sold Goodwood to Mrs. Fannie Tiers who remodeled the house to a Mt Vernon style and replaced the wrought iron with Georgian columns. Mrs. Tiers then sold the home to Senator William C. Hodges.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 11/25/2023)
3
The John G. Riley Center & Museum
The Riley House was constructed circa 1890 on the fringe of a community called Smokey Hollow. Its owner, John Gilmore Riley, rose to prominence as an educator and civic leader. He received formal education from public and private institutions. Riley began his first teaching job in 1877 at a school in Wakulla County. In 1892 he became principal of the Lincoln Academy (located at 438 West Brevard Street in Tallahassee, Florida) where he served until his retirement in 1926.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
4
The Tallahassee Museum
In 1957, a group of teachers, several civic groups and other interested members of the community established the Tallahassee Junior Museum to offer school children enriching experiences with science, art, history, and world cultures. In the 1960s, it moved to its present location on a chain of lakes. By 1980, the Museum exhibits included a collection of restored historical buildings, and by 1990 its Wildlife Florida Trail of native wildlife featured Florida panthers and endangered red wolves.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 12/7/2023)
5
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Since 1845, the Historic Capitol has symbolized Florida state government. Restored to its 1902 appearance, the Historic Capitol stands as an icon at the center of Florida’s Capitol complex; the modern-day nerve center of Sunshine State government. Under the stained-glass dome, political history and tradition come alive in the exhibits.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 11/13/2023)
6
The Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is the state of Florida's history museum, covering its history and prehistory. The museum showcase many exhibits and artifacts.
(Image Source: Florida Memory Collection)
7
The Knott Museum
"This house was constructed in 1843, probably by George Proctor, a free black builder. Attorney Thomas Hagner and his bride Catherine Gamble became the home's first residents the following year."
"Immediately after the Civil War ended, Union Brigadier General Edward M. McCook used the house as his temporary headquarters when he occupied Tallahassee. On May 20, 1865, McCook declared the Emancipation Proclamation to be in effect, thereby announcing freedom for all enslaved persons in the greater Tallahassee region. In 1883, a prominent local physician, Dr. George Betton, bought the house where he maintained an office."
(Image Source: TLCGIS)
8
The Union Bank Building
The building was built ca. 1830 by William Williams. The bank failed in 1843, and later operated as a Freedman's bank from after the Civil War until 1879. The building has been used as a church, feed store, art house, coffee house, dance studio, locksmith's shop, beauty shop, and shoe factory. Moved in 1971 from the original site on the west side of Adams, between College and Park, to just east of the Capitol on Apalachee Parkway and Calhoun Avenue.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 5/20/2019)
9
Mission San Luis
Mission San Luis de Talimali was among the largest and most important missions in Spanish Florida. Its parishioners were Apalachee Indians who were descendants of those people whose village Hernando de Soto appropriated during the winter of 1539-1540.
The mission was moved to this location in 1656 and was recognized as the western capital of Spanish Florida. Mission San Luis was home to more than 1,500 Apalachees as well as a Spanish deputy governor, soldiers, friars, and civilians.
(Image Source: TLCGIS 10/12/2023)
The planning meetings of the Bicentennial Committee were held in various places throughout the community. Seen below are some of the behind the scenes photos.
Bicentennial Meeting in the Historic Senate Chamber in the Historic Florida State Capitol
Historic Capitol Museum Dome, Bell, Senate Chamber, Capitol building and plaque
Staircase, Senate Chamber, railroad rail donation, Clifford Hill Cemetery meeting
Goodwood Museum, Tallahassee Museum meeting, Clifford Hill Cemetery building and plaque
WFSU employee, Mayor John Dailey, Vel Johnson, A Storymap award presented to Doug Alderson by Marcus Curtis
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum
1902 Senate Chamber is furnished with thirty-two desks, dividing rail, clock, clerk's desk and Senate President's bench. In 1902 an original desk and chair cost a total of $27.50. In the 1990s these reproduction desks and chairs cost $750 apiece. On the front of each desk is a plaque with the name of the group or individual that donated funds for the desks.
Bicentennial Group at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee, Florida inside of the restored Senate Chamber (Image Source: Doug Alderson 11/13/2023)
History Task Force with mayor (John Dailey) at last Dec. 11, 2023 meeting (Image Source: Christopher Shipe 12/11/2023)
Seat of War Map
General Zach Taylor 1839 Map Seat of War (Image Source: Library of Congress)
